Why can't a chain sling be joined with a bolt?

A chain sling is a crucial piece of lifting equipment, and the design of such components must ensure they are safe and effective for their intended use. The reason a chain sling cannot be joined with a bolt is primarily because bolts do not have an appropriate load rating for the kinds of forces encountered during lifting operations.

When using slings in lifting, it is essential that every connection point has a clearly defined load rating to ensure that the combined setup can support the load without risk of failure. While other options touch on factors that might affect equipment durability or performance, they do not highlight the core safety concern. Bolts are not typically rated for lifting in the same way that specialized connectors or fittings are designed and tested for these applications. This lack of a load rating makes bolts unsuitable for joining slings, as it could lead to unsafe lifting situations.

The integrity of the entire lifting system relies on each component being capable of safely handling the rated load, which is why adhering to specified equipment and connection methods is critical for workplace safety.